So I have about 18 basses now and I think I've come to the realization that I can't play 18 basses at once. Naturally I can play 1 really nice one (and maybe a back up just in case).

So I'm wondering how much a series 2 actually costs. I know the quote says $27k but really when the tax is paid for what's it cost? ...so you're saying ,"depends on what you want." Here you go....

#1) S2 Europa 6 with a way smaller neck than the normal 2.2", something like 2.0", gold hardware with flame maple top and ocean burst (like trip Wamsley's 8 string). And "T" at the 12th Not much too fancy about that,

I honestly need to know because if I can pull it off with out too much cash I would get one (or both : ) it's not entirely a pipe dream, I've got a lot of pretty nice basses, I just don't think it's very practical to have this many, even though I love them.

I second calling a dealer. In fact, you'll get a dealer discount, a considerable % off what Alembic would charge if you bought it direct. As far as sales tax, as long as you purchase from a dealer that's located in a different state from you, they won't charge you sales tax. I suggest contacting Beaver at basscentral.com, but Will Gunn is a good guy as well.

There are two things to consider; one is the monthly special, which changes, as its name suggests, from time to time, and can be a significant factor. The other is the discount, if any, offered by the dealer you place your order with. This varies among dealers and can be a significant factor as well. Of course other considerations when choosing a dealer is their knowledge, the service they provide, and your comfort in dealing with them. And in your situation, I suppose another factor might be what a dealer might be able to do as far as a trade-in for one or more of your current instruments.

I don't know that it's appropriate to discuss discounts on the forum, but I would imagine some of our members might be willing to correspond with you about their experiences with various dealers.

I agree that discounts shouldn't be discussed here, I was hoping someone will pm me : )

I don't want to seem like I'm "made of money" because I'm not, but the idea of pulling at least one of these off is (I think) reasonable.

I have never played a S2, I live in the armpit of the universe so all Alembic information I have has been acquired from personal experience. Plus,I was hesitant to call a dealer about this stuff because I don't want to seem like "that guy" that goes into a store and jams covers and never buys anything. And i know It will take time to find buyers for all of these basses but I would let a bunch go just to have a few (or one) S2 made to my liking.

Anyway, I know people here have been through this so please, don't be shy!

You could also talk to Alembic directly, I've done that a couple of times in the past regarding a custom order. In the end I decided to buy used series Instruments. My point is that I never got the feeling that I was wasting their time. I think the information gained from Alembic or their dealers, is useful even when you are looking for a used instrument. I've had some good on-line conversations with Will which have been very enlightening. It may even be worth your while getting a used series bass so that you can check them out which could help you decide on the spec you want on a new build. If it's an older one you could probably off load it for the same money when you decide to go for a new custom.

@jazzyvee...I'm pretty sure if I'm going to get a custom bass it'd have to be one of the above mentioned ideas. it's been brewing in my mind since I was like 17 (I'm 33) and if I didn't get one of those basses, I'd always wonder, you know? I've done some preliminary math and it seems very do-able to get one. both seems like a stretch, because I'd have to sell EVERYTHING I have and I have stuff that I couldn't sell short of an emergency/ family tragedy.

I've never played a S2 but if there is someone here who is local(ish) I'll drive to you and give you a few bucks or a set of strings or whatever if I can just fiddle with it to understand the power of the S2

I have signature basses and europa basses that's as close I come to the legendary S2 but the Europa electronics are good and signature electronics sound great. I just want to know what it's like at the "top of the mountain" kind of thing. I agree with Jazzy that I should try a S2 first but around here it's like finding a unicorn or something. I've only seen 2 ever. in the hands of that dude for James Taylor where I was 100 yards away from and Jason Newsted when I was like 15, as one in 20,000,000 people. so no real experience with a S2.

I understand your vibe about a S2 to try out. The only one I had ever seen and heard in the flesh so to speak was Jimmy Johnson's when he was doing a gig with Allan Holdsworth a few years back. Like you I have signature and Europa basses and I can say from personal experience when you get a Series II bass you will not be disappointed. I got mine this time last year and play mine virtually all the time at home but haven't done a full gig with it yet it although that will change tomorrow.

I would buy a nice used series one and live with it for a while and get an idea what you like or don't like about it. Or buy a nice used series two. If you pay the right amount, you can get your money back out of it when you sell it and you would learn a lot about what you might want in a custom build. An SF-1 is another good item to have and experiment around with too.

Alembics are such unique instruments and can sound so different and the ergonomics can be interesting to live with.

Thanks Dave, that's a really good idea.... The bad part is I hate getting rid of music stuff! And I'm not really crazy about 4 string basses (which most S2 seem to be).

Today I'm at the point where I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to let most of these basses go, not that I don't love them (except the Warwick, thought I'd like those, nope.) because I do. But really I don't have space in this house and they just sit in the cases. I bet the most I've played any of these is MAYBE a half hour, they just sit. I'm too busy with school and kids and wife and the house. I don't play in bands anymore (except to fill in here or there and the last 5 years I've played guitar live : /) I just record. I feel like I want a bass that's truly made for me and if I'm going to sell most of my stuff its got to be a Europa. Not necessarily a S2 but if I only have 1 shot I don't want to skimp if I can afford it. I just want to see/hear what the big deal is about S2 so I know out of all of the stuff I'm getting what I like. And I will say my signature basses sound incredible.

I still haven't called anywhere for a real quote but i did play with the quote generator and it seems okay. I've made a list of my stuff to sell (at less than I paid for it, just to sell it) and it's pretty close to the price. I want to have my ducks in a row before I bother someone who feeds their family by selling basses, you know?

So if anyone reading this is looking for a new bass to adopt, you might want to email me lol!